Exploring the universe and watching TV with robots

Event details

Images of space are everywhere. New discoveries are being made each year about planets, galaxies, and the early Universe. Many of these discoveries are made using robotic spacecraft sent out into the Solar System. Similar technology allows us to beam telephone conversations, data and TV broadcasts around the world; monitor the weather on Earth from space; spy on each other; and navigate around the world with GPS. But how do they work? Do modern satellites have anything in common with the very first artificial satellites? What happens when they breakdown or get themselves into trouble? This event will change your view of rocket science, taking in subjects as wide as rockets, software, radio and navigating in space, with live demos.

Dr Chris Arridge is a space scientist and Royal Society University Research Fellow at University College London's Mullard Space Science Laboratory. His research is focused on the giant planets in our Solar System and is involved in the Cassini-Huygens mission to Saturn and its largest moon Titan, and the JUICE mission to Jupiter and its largest moon Ganymede. When he isn't studying the planets he reads, runs, cooks and dances. You can follow Chris on Twitter @chrisarridge.

This events is suitable for adults and children 14 years old and over.

Attending this event

This event is free to attend and open to all. No tickets are required. Doors open at 6.15pm and seats will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis.

Events coming up

The interaction of fire and mankind
14 September 2015
at
The Royal Society, London
Scientific discussion meeting organised by Professor Andrew Scott, Professor William Chaloner FRS, Professor Claire Belcher and Dr Chris Roos

The interaction of fire and mankind - further discussion
16 September 2015
at
The Royal Society at Chicheley Hall, home of the Kavli Royal Society International Centre, Buckinghamshire
Scientific discussion meeting organised by Professor Andrew Scott, Professor William Chaloner FRS, Dr Claire Belcher and Professor Chris Roos

Open House Weekend 2015
19 September 2015
at
The Royal Society, London
The Royal Society's building will be open to the public on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September 2015.